Boeing Boeing

Blackburn Drama Club had decided to produce this classic farce written by Marc Camoletti and translated by Beverley Cross and Francis Evans. This translation was first performed in the U.K. in 1962, running in London for seven years. It was revived on Broadway and London in 2007 and has since had the accolade of being the most performed French play throughout the world, according to the Guiness Book of Records.

Director Jenny Hodkinson having appeared in an original version had used all her considerable experience in gathering together a talented group of actors to perform her favourite farce.

We were greeted by an open stage with a well- designed and constructed set with lavish furnishings and décor which immediately set the tone and atmosphere for the evening. The intimacy of the Thwaites Empire Theatre lends itself to this particular piece.

Farce is one of the most difficult genres to play well and it was obvious that all the cast were completely involved with their characters. This play, set in the “swinging sixties” was a nostalgic piece for many theatregoers and it also served as a reminder of attitudes, values and conventions of that era.

The pace of the play held our attention at all times. The action, was often fast and furious as actors moved rapidly around the stage and in and out of very solidly constructed doors.

The three Air Hostesses played by Catherine Strickland as Gabriella, Bethany Turnbull as Gretchen and Kate Hodkinson as Gloria gave contrasting performances, with good accents and all were completely at ease on the stage. Stephen Claxon was suitably nervous and anxious, as he kept his “timetable” up to date.

Patrick Walsh as Robert was very convincing with a good understanding of the role. The highlight of the evening for me was Muriel Eccles as Bertha the maid who had excellent comic timing and superb use of facial expressions and body language.

All costumes had been well researched and together with appropriate sound effects and lighting, helped to make this a very enjoyable evening. Congratulations to Jenny Hodkinson for drawing out polished performances from all cast members.

Many thanks for the warm welcome afforded to my wife and myself.

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